
Welcome back to Sukany4 - The Podcast, where we explore inspiring stories, one step at a time. On this episode, I had the pleasure of walking and talking with Neil Fleming, a long-time resident of Cumbria who is anything but “ordinary,” despite his modest claims.
Neil and I met on a breezy day at Fell Foot Park, a National Trust gem located at the south eastern tip of Windermere. It’s a place of peace, picnics, and community—a fitting backdrop for our conversation about Neil’s incredible contributions to his community.

From Paisley to Cumbria
Neil’s journey to Cumbria began in 1987 when he moved from Paisley, Scotland, to work in the shipyard at Barrow. Despite his southern Scottish roots, Neil retained only a soft accent, making him easy to understand—a rarity, as he joked, in some parts of Glasgow!
Cumbria quickly became home. Neil met his wife, who also worked in the shipyard, and together they built a life in the area. Over the years, Cumbria has proven to be a fantastic place to raise their two sons, who share Neil’s love for the outdoors.
“It’s been a great place to bring them up,” Neil said.
“There’s so much countryside. My youngest is really into climbing, sailing, and all sorts of adventurous things. It’s just all accessible here.”

Giving Back: Volunteering and Community Work
Neil’s volunteer work spans a dizzying array of roles, from event organizing to parish council duties. What stands out most about Neil is his passion for community building.
"I think I just do things that I enjoy," Neil shared.
"It’s not about being a martyr or doing something extraordinary—it’s about finding ways to connect with others and make a difference."
One of Neil’s most prominent roles is on the Keswick to Barrow (K2B) Walk Organising Committee. This iconic annual charity event, which raises around half a million pounds for local causes, has been running for over 55 years. Neil also helped launch the Coniston to Barrow Walk, a shorter, more accessible version of the event, which has grown significantly over the past decade.

A Legacy of Community Impact
Neil’s volunteer efforts extend far beyond event organizing. In Ulverston, he serves as a parish councillor, organizes festivals like Retro Rendezvous, and is a trustee at Ford Park, a community-run space.
During the pandemic, Neil co-founded the Ulverston Resilience Group to support isolated individuals with groceries, prescriptions, and other necessities. The initiative mobilized hundreds of volunteers and served as a lifeline for many during a challenging time.
For his efforts, Neil was awarded a British Empire Medal and named Ulverston Citizen of the Year—recognitions he humbly accepts, though he insists he’s “just an ordinary guy.”

The Power of Small Actions
One theme that resonated throughout our conversation was Neil’s belief in the power of small actions.
“You don’t have to organize big events or be in the spotlight to make a difference,” he said.
“Even something as simple as talking to an elderly neighbour or volunteering an hour of your time can make an impact. Everybody has something to offer.”
This perspective aligns with Neil’s introverted nature. Though he often takes on leadership roles, Neil admits he prefers working behind the scenes, focusing on the task at hand rather than seeking attention.

Balancing Life, Work, and Community
With so many commitments, I asked Neil how he finds balance. His secret? Walking the dog, gardening, and the occasional trip to the pub.
“My wife is a secondary school teacher, which is a hectic lifestyle in itself, so sometimes we just head to the pub with the dog,” Neil laughed.
“Dogs are great conversation starters—you end up chatting with other dog owners, which is always nice.”

Highlights of Neil’s Volunteer Work
Keswick to Barrow Walk: Raising millions for local charities over the years, this event has become a rite of passage for many in Barrow.
Retro Rendezvous: A festival celebrating vintage cycling and retro culture, bringing joy and connection to the community.
Ulverston Resilience Group: Providing essential services to vulnerable individuals during the pandemic, with over 4,000 volunteers stepping up to help.
Ford Park Trustee: Supporting a community park that brings people together through nature and events.
World Records: Neil played a key role in Ulverston’s Guinness World Records for the largest custard pie fight—a testament to his knack for blending fun with community spirit.

Final Thoughts
Talking with Neil was a reminder of how much impact one person can have by simply choosing to show up. Neil’s humility, dedication, and love for his community are truly inspiring.
As Neil said, “It’s not about being extraordinary—it’s about doing what you can with what you have. And when you do, you often get back just as much as you give.”
If you’ve enjoyed this blog, please share it with your friends and tune in to Sukany4 - The Podcast for more inspiring stories from people like Neil, who make our communities richer and more connected.
Until next time, keep walking, keep talking, and keep making a difference!
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